Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

Knowing your consumer rights—and the responsibilities that come with those rights—is an important part of protecting yourself in the California marketplace.

Making yourself heard when your consumer rights have been ignored or violated is not only your right; it is an important part of helping other consumers avoid a similar fate. It is also an important part of forcing businesses to act honestly and ethically and to become more consumer-focused.

Following is a list of common consumer rights and responsibilities.

You have the right to:

It is your responsibility to:

Keep your personal, financial and medical information private

Be careful about how and to whom you make your information known

Ask informed and appropriate questions before making a consumer decision

Make sure you understand the answers to those questions before making a consumer decision

Verify the license of anyone with whom you seek to do business

Hire only licensed professionals

Get contracts and agreements in writing and get a copy of anything you sign

Read and understand contracts and agreements before you sign them

Get contracts and agreements in your native language if English not your primary language

Ask for a copy of contracts and agreements in your native language if English is not your primary language

Ask for the references of those with whom you seek to do business

Call the references provided to verify their ability to do the job and their work ethic

Get cost estimates

Compare the estimates of at least 3 providers

Compare product features

Shop until you find exactly what you are looking for

Get a written estimate of auto repair work

Ask for a written estimate of auto repair work

Return of replaced auto parts

Request return of replaced auto parts when placing work order

Get a detailed invoice of work done and parts supplied

Make sure you get a detailed invoice of work done and parts supplied

Compare prices

Shop until you find the best value for your dollar

Truthful advertising

Learn the difference between fact and advertising "hype"

Inspect merchandise before purchase

Inspect merchandise before purchase

Get products that perform as advertised

Following manufacturer's instructions

Get appropriate warranty protection for products and services purchased

Seek reimbursement/product replacement as appropriate

Appropriate compensation if you or are injured or your property is damaged